County to potentially benefit from provincial hydrogen investment
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Wheatland County’s interest in the hydrogen market may soon see supporting investment by the Alberta Government, following the announcement of $45 million budgeted for the industry.
The Government of Alberta indicated $20 million in grants available through Alberta Innovates’ Hydrogen Centre of Excellence for early-stage innovations, as well as $5 million provided through Natural Resources Canada on Aug. 1.
The other $25 million being made available by the province will be through Emissions Reduction Alberta for later stage technologies.
Hydrogen market development has been an interest within the county for some time, as stakeholders were engaged in August 2022 regarding potential local investment.
The county also received a report from Navigatio Capital during the Feb. 21 regular meeting of council, which described the current state of hydrogen related enterprises within the local region.
“Hydrogen is a vital technology in the path towards a low-carbon future. The Government of Canada is pleased to collaborate with partners like the Government of Alberta to launch this competition that supports further innovation in the hydrogen sector,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, federal minister of energy and natural resources. “Technologies like this are helping to create good jobs across Canada as we build a strong and prosperous economy.”
The province indicated a roadmap has been created, as well as an emissions reduction and energy development plan, and a natural gas strategy, recognizing the importance of growing the hydrogen economy within Alberta.
According to the province, the goal for the funding is to drive cutting edge and first of their kind hydrogen technologies to be used in production, transmission, distribution and storage within multiple applicable industries.
“The hydrogen economy is the next frontier for Alberta. The province is the largest producer of hydrogen and has the people, resources and infrastructure in place to move us into the new economy,” said Laura Kilcrease, CEO of Alberta Innovates. “Partnerships like this allow for producers, innovators and industry to come together and test their hydrogen ideas. Ultimately this will help Alberta capitalize on new innovation opportunities that generate benefits beyond the energy value chain.”
Rebecca Shulz, minister of environment and protected areas, added the competition for the hydrogen market will drive exploration and advancement of clean hydrogen technologies.
Applications for both funding streams are now open. Emissions Reduction Alberta will cease accepting applications, Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. Alberta Innovates will close the application window, Sept. 26, also at 5 p.m. Successful applications will receive invitations to submit full proposals.